Albany police respond to armed robbery, vehicle hijacking incidents

ALBANY — At least two armed robberies have been reported in the last three days in Albany, including a Gillionville Road business robbery on Wednesday and a robbery and hijacking on South Madison Street on Thursday.

The Homerun Foods location at 3315 Gillionville Road reported an armed robbery at 10:34 p.m. on Wednesday. In that incident, two men entered the store with their faces covered. One of the men jumped over the counter while the other stood by the entrance door as a lookout with a shotgun, said Phyllis Banks, spokeswoman for the Albany Police Department.

The man that jumped the counter was armed. He opened and took money from separate registers, Banks said.

Both were described as black men, with the one standing watch wearing a gray hoodie with a gray shirt wrapped around his face, who the clerk said sounded young, while the other who jumped behind the counter was wearing all black clothing, including his shoes, and had a dark complexion, Banks said.

The incident on South Madison, described as an armed robbery and hijacking of a motor vehicle, took place at 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, reports show.

Banks said officers responded to 2220 S. Madison St. They were told by two victims that they were approached by three men while sitting near an apartment complex. The suspects pointed a firearm at one of the victims and ordered him out of his vehicle, striking him on the face with the firearm.

The other victim gave the suspects cash from his pocket and the suspects then left with the vehicle. The vehicle was later located in the 100 block of Shelby Lane, Banks said.

The incident remained under investigation Friday. No arrests were immediately made, Banks said.

Those with information on crimes in the Albany area can call Albany Area CrimeStoppers at (229) 436-TIPS (8477). Those who use it can become eligible for cash rewards.